Evaporator

ABSTRACT

An evaporator with a heat transfer core having a number of pipes and fins, wherein a first fluid can flow through the pipes and a second fluid can flow around the pipes and the fins for heat transfer between the first fluid and the second fluid, with at least one collecting tank which is in fluid connection with the pipes, wherein at least two collecting chambers are formed by means of the at least one collecting tank, wherein one of the collecting chambers is equipped with a first fluid connection pipe which serves as an injection line for supplying the first fluid and the other collecting chamber is equipped with a second fluid connection pipe which serves as a suction line for discharging the first fluid, wherein for mounting an expansion valve on at least one of the fluid connection pipes a retaining element is fastened to at least one of the fluid connection pipes.

This nonprovisional application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(a) to German Patent Application No. 10 2020 201 557.0, which was filed in Germany on Feb. 7, 2020 and which is herein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an evaporator for a refrigerant circuit, in particular for a refrigerant circuit of a motor vehicle.

Description of the Background Art

Evaporators of air conditioning systems with a refrigerant circuit are typically configured such that the evaporator has two evaporator connection pipes, the injection line and the suction line. The injection line is used to supply the refrigerant and the suction line is used to discharge the refrigerant.

An expansion valve is attached to the evaporator in order to expand the refrigerant, which is to be injected, upstream of the evaporator inlet. Accordingly, the expansion valve is mounted on the injection line and on the suction line and is fluidly connected at least to the injection line. The mounting is usually carried out by means of a retaining plate, which is fixed to the injection line and the suction line. If the expansion valve is mounted on the injection line and optionally on the suction line, the expansion valve can be connected by means of the retaining plate and thus be securely fixed and held on the injection line and on the suction line.

In this case, the retaining plate is only loosely arranged on the two evaporator connection pipes, the injection line and the suction line, because the expansion valve can be fastened at the evaporator manufacturer's facility immediately after the retaining plate has been arranged and there is no need for cumbersome handling of the evaporator with the loose retaining plate.

However, in some cases there is also a wish for the expansion valve not to be mounted by the evaporator manufacturer, but instead by the vehicle manufacturer on the assembly line, because the vehicle manufacturer wants to be able to react more flexibly to the utilized refrigerants, so that, for example, the expansion valve can be selected to match the refrigerant and can therefore be selected and mounted on site on the assembly line. However, it is the vehicle manufacturer's wish that the retaining plate be already mounted, because this step is considered too time-consuming on the assembly line and thus makes the assembly process unnecessarily expensive.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an evaporator which, on the one hand, can be manufactured inexpensively and, on the other hand, allows for safe and simple assembly of the expansion valve, also for example by a third party.

An exemplary embodiment of the invention provides an evaporator with a heat transfer core with a number of pipes and fins, wherein a first fluid can flow through the pipes and a second fluid can flow around the pipes and the fins for heat transfer between the first fluid and the second fluid, with at least one collecting tank, which is in fluid connection with the pipes, wherein at least two collecting chambers are formed by means of the at least one collecting tank, wherein one of the collecting chambers is equipped with a first fluid connection pipe which serves as an injection line for supplying the first fluid and the other collecting chamber is equipped with a second fluid connection pipe which serves as suction line for discharging the first fluid, wherein for mounting an expansion valve on at least one of the fluid connection pipes, a retaining element is fastened to the at least one fluid connection pipe. This ensures that the retaining element, which is designed as a retaining plate, for example, can be pre-assembled quickly and easily and yet does not fall off during transport of the evaporator. Accordingly, an expansion valve can be properly mounted, for example, in the assembly line of a motor vehicle or elsewhere by a third party.

It is also advantageous if, for mounting an expansion valve on the two fluid connection pipes, the retaining element is attached to the two fluid connection pipes. This ensures a stable arrangement and fastening, because the retaining element can be supported on both fluid connection pipes at the same time, for example as a retaining plate. This ensures that the retaining element does not shift or fall off during transport, for example.

It is also expedient if the retaining element is positively attached to the two fluid connection pipes and frictionally attached to at least one of the fluid connection pipes. This also achieves a stable fastening, in particular because the latter are fitted in multiple locations, especially by means of positive and/or frictional connection.

It is also beneficial if the retaining element is frictionally held on one of the fluid connection pipes by means of an elastic element. This enables a secure frictional connection to be made to the positive connection.

It is particularly advantageous if the elastic element is arranged as an open or closed ring element and is compressed between the retaining element and a projection of the one fluid connection pipe. Thus, the retaining element can be used to clamp the retaining element due to its elastic properties.

It is also beneficial if the fluid connection pipe has two projections, wherein the retaining element is arrangeable between the two projections in such a way that, on the one hand, it bears against one of the two projections and, on the other hand, the elastic element is compressed between the retaining element and the other projection so that it bears against the retaining element and the other projection. This also achieves a secure arrangement and fastening.

It is advantageous if the elastic element is more of a flat design and can be placed at least partially around the fluid connection pipe. The elastic element can be pre-bent so that it is easier to place around the fluid connection pipe and is also held there, for example, due to its own preload.

It is also beneficial if the elastic element has a flat body and protruding elements which project from the flat body. These protruding elements serve to improve the frictional connection of the retaining element on the fluid connection pipe.

It is also particularly advantageous if the protruding elements are designed as point-like and/or line-like elements. This produces a locally improved friction, wherein the varied arrangement of the protruding elements allows for a wider strip width for a secure position of the retaining element.

It is also advantageous if the line-like elements are designed to be straight or bent line elements, particularly as straight line elements, sinusoidal line elements, serpentine line elements, etc. This also provides an improved strip width for a secure position of the retaining element.

It is also preferred if the retaining element has two open receptacles, wherein one receptacle receives one fluid connection pipe and the other receptacle receives the other fluid connection pipe. The open receptacles allow for the retaining element to be easily placed and secured. Preferably, the two open receptacles are open at an angle of about 90°, which prevents the retaining element from slipping out of position.

Further, in an example, it is advantageous if the elastic element, which is arranged adjacent to one of the projections, is arranged adjacent to one of the receptacles. This allows for it to be pressed against one of the projections of the fluid connection pipe for frictional connection of the retaining element.

It is also beneficial if the elastic element, which is at least partially wrapped around the fluid connection pipe, can be received by the retaining element in the receptacle and can be encompassed by the retaining element. Also by these means, it can be pressed against one of the projections of the fluid connection pipe for the frictional connection of the retaining element.

Further scope of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes, combinations, and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given hereinbelow and the accompanying drawings which are given by way of illustration only, and thus, are not limitive of the present invention, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of fluid connection pipes of an evaporator with a retaining element for an expansion valve,

FIG. 2 is a representation of the fluid connection pipes with the retaining element,

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a fluid connection pipe with an elastic element for support of the retaining element,

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a fluid connection pipe with an elastic element for support of the retaining element,

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of a fluid connection pipe with an elastic element for support of the retaining element,

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a pattern of protruding elements of the elastic element,

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of another pattern of protruding elements of the elastic element,

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of a further pattern of protruding elements of the elastic element, and

FIG. 9 is a schematic representation of an evaporator.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention relates to an evaporator 1 as shown schematically in FIG. 9. The evaporator 1 shown comprises a heat transfer core 2 with a number of pipes 3 and fins 4. The pipes 3 and fins 4 are preferably arranged alternately, but they may also be arranged in a different arrangement.

A first fluid 5 flows through the pipes 3, wherein a second fluid 6 flows around the pipes 3 and the fins 4 for heat transfer between the first fluid 5 and the second fluid 6.

The evaporator 1 comprises at least one collecting tank 7, which is in fluid connection with the pipes 3, wherein at least two collecting chambers 8 are formed by means of the at least one collecting tank 7. The embodiment example of FIG. 9 comprises two collecting tanks 7, wherein one of the two collecting tanks 7 is divided into at least two collecting chambers 8 by means of at least one internal partition wall, which is not pictured. The other collecting tank 7 can comprise only one collecting chamber 8 or can also be divided into several collecting chambers 8 by means of at least one partition wall.

One of the collecting chambers 8 of the first collecting tank 7 is equipped with a first fluid connection pipe 9 as an injection line for supplying the first fluid 5. Furthermore, the other collecting chamber 8 of the same collecting tank 7 is equipped with a second fluid connection pipe 10 as a suction line for discharging the first fluid 5.

FIG. 1 shows a portion of the fluid connection pipes 9, 10 at their respective pipe ends 11,12.

It can be seen in FIG. 1 that the fluid connection pipes 9, 10 comprise a circumferential flange 13 near the pipe end 11, 12 and an O-ring 14 is slid over each pipe end 11, 12 and rests against the flange 13. The flange 13 and the O-ring 14 serve as the sealed connection of the fluid connection pipes 9, 10 to an expansion valve for connection to a refrigerant circuit, not shown.

In order to be able to connect and fasten the expansion valve to the fluid connection pipes 9, 10, a retaining element 15 is arranged on the two fluid connection pipes 9, 10, which is fastened to at least one of the fluid connection pipes 9, 10.

Preferably, the retaining element 15 is attached to the two fluid connection pipes 9, 10.

In FIG. 1 and in FIG. 2, it can be seen that the retaining element 15 is positively fixed to the two fluid connection pipes 9, 10, and the retaining element 15 is also frictionally fixed to at least one of the fluid connection pipes 9, 10, in this case to the fluid connection pipe 9.

For this purpose, the retaining element 15, which can preferably be designed as a retaining plate, is arranged between two flanges 13, 16, which are arranged at a distance from one another on the fluid connection pipe 9. Furthermore, an elastic element 17 is arranged between the retaining element 15 and one of the two flanges 13, 16, which produces a frictional connection between the first flange 13 and the retaining element 15. Thereby, the elastic element 17 presses the retaining element 15 against the flange 16 and it is itself elastically braced between the retaining element 15 and the flange 13.

Alternatively, the elastic element 17 may be used to create a frictional connection between the retaining element 15 and the flange 16 or with the fluid connection pipe 9 itself.

Accordingly, the retaining element 15 is frictionally held to one of the fluid connection pipes 9, 10 by means of the elastic element 17.

In the embodiment example of FIG. 1, the elastic element 17 is designed and arranged as an open or closed ring element, so that it can be compressed between the retaining element 15 and a projection of fluid connection pipe 9 or 10. The projection is thereby the flange 13 or alternatively the flange 16.

According to FIG. 1, the fluid connection pipe 9 comprises two projections as flanges 13, 16, wherein the retaining element 15 can be arranged between the two projections, such as flanges 13, 16, in such a way that, on the one hand, it bears against one of the two projections, flanges 13, 16, and, on the other hand, the elastic element 17 can be arranged compressed between the retaining element 15 and the other projection, such as flanges 13, 16, so that it bears against the retaining element 15 and the other projection.

FIG. 3 shows once again the arrangement of the fluid connection pipe 9 with the flanges 13, 16 and the elastic element 17 prior to the retaining element 15 being arranged.

FIG. 2 shows that the retaining element 15 has two open receptacles 18, 19, wherein one receptacle 18 receives one fluid connection pipe 9 and the other receptacle 19 receives the other fluid connection pipe 10. In this regard, the receptacles 18, 19 are oriented such that they are open laterally as open receptacles 18, 19 in order to be able to push the respective fluid connection pipe 9, 10 into the receptacle 18, 19 or in order to be able to push the retaining element 15 over the fluid connection pipes 9, 10. In this case, the receptacles 18, 19 are open, rotated by 90°. The receptacle 18 is open towards a longitudinal side 20 of the retaining element 15, while the receptacle 19 is open towards a transverse side 21 of the retaining element 15.

According to FIG. 1, the elastic element 17, which is arranged adjacent to one of the projections 13, 16, is also arranged adjacent to one of the receptacles 18, 19 of the retaining element 15.

As an alternative to the design of FIGS. 1 to 3, FIGS. 4 and 5 show two further alternative designs in which the elastic element 17 has more of a flat design, which can be placed at least partially around the fluid connection pipe 9. In this case, the elastic element 17 can be flat or also pre-bent.

According to FIGS. 4 and 5, the elastic element 17 is formed with a flat body 22 and with protruding elements 23, which protrude from the flat body 22.

According to FIGS. 4 and 5, as well as 6 to 8, the protruding elements 23 may be formed as point-like and/or line-like elements.

FIGS. 4, 6 and 7 show that the projecting elements 23 are formed as line-like elements. They can be formed as straight line-like elements 23 according to FIG. 6 or as curved line-like elements 23 according to FIG. 7, i.e. as curved line elements. The curved line elements 23 can be formed, for example, as sinusoidal line elements or as serpentine line elements.

FIG. 8 shows an arrangement of point-like elements 23. These may be round, rectangular, etc. in shape. They may also be arranged in a square or hexagonal or octagonal configuration, or in some other way.

When the retaining element 15 is inserted into the arrangement of FIG. 4 or 5, the elastic element 17, which is at least partially wrapped around the fluid connection pipe 9, is received by the retaining element 15 in the receptacle 18 and is encompassed by the retaining element 15.

The invention being thus described, it will be obvious that the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are to be included within the scope of the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An evaporator with a heat transfer core comprising: a plurality of pipes and fins, wherein a first fluid is adapted to flow through the pipes and a second fluid is adapted to flow around the pipes and the fins for the heat transfer between the first fluid and the second fluid; at least one collecting tank that is in fluid connection with the pipes; at least two collecting chambers formed by the at least one collecting tank, wherein one of the collecting chambers is equipped with a first fluid connection pipe which serves as an injection line for supplying the first fluid and the other collecting chamber is equipped with a second fluid connection pipe which serves as suction line for discharging the first fluid; and a retaining element fixed to at least one of the connection pipes for mounting an expansion valve on at least one of the fluid connection pipes.
 2. The evaporator according to claim 1, wherein for mounting an expansion valve to the two fluid connection pipes, the retaining element being fixed to the two fluid connection pipes.
 3. The evaporator according to claim 1, wherein the retaining element is positively fixed to the two fluid connection pipes and is frictionally fixed to at least one of the fluid connection pipes.
 4. The evaporator according to claim 1, wherein the retaining element is frictionally connected on one of the fluid connection pipes by an elastic element.
 5. The evaporator according to claim 1, wherein the elastic element is arranged as an open or closed ring element and is compressed between the retaining element and a projection of the one fluid connection pipe.
 6. The evaporator according to claim 5, wherein the fluid connection pipe has two projections, wherein the retaining element is arrangeable between the two projections in such a way that it bears against one of the two projections and such that the elastic element is compressed between the retaining element and the other projection so that it bears against the retaining element and the other projection.
 7. The evaporator according to claim 4, wherein the elastic element has a flat design, which can be placed at least partially around the fluid connection pipe.
 8. The evaporator according to claim 7, wherein the elastic element has a flat body and protruding elements, which protrude from the flat body.
 9. The evaporator according to claim 8, wherein the protruding elements are formed as point-like and/or line-like elements.
 10. The evaporator according to claim 9, wherein the line-like elements are formed as straight or bent line elements, specifically as straight line elements, sinusoidal line elements, serpentine line elements, etc.
 11. The evaporator according to claim 1, wherein the retaining element comprises two open receptacles, wherein one receptacle receives the one fluid connection pipe and the other receptacle receives the other fluid connection pipe.
 12. The evaporator according to claim 1, wherein the elastic element, which is arranged adjacent to one of the projections, is arranged adjacent to one of the receptacles.
 13. The evaporator according to claim 1, wherein the elastic element, which is at least partially placed around the fluid connection pipe, is adapted to be received by the retaining element in the receptacle and is adapted to be accessed by the retaining element. 